Abedi spurs Rayon to victory

Yesterday’s friendliesRayon 2-1 KabashaEtincelles 0-2 Virunga TodayEtincelles vs Kabasha Rayon vs Virunga SAIDI Abedi Makasi was Rayon Sport’s hero yesterday after scoring a brace to earn the hosts a 2-1 victory over Congolese club Kabasha in a pre-season friendly at Umuganda stadium in Rubavu. The burly striker, who joined the club this month on a one-year-deal, put his side ahead in the 32nd minute only for Papy Kamanzi to equalise for Kabasha eight minutes later. In the second half, the Congolese club squandered several goal scoring chances and were made to pay when Abedi converted from the spot-kick on the 85th minute after a foul on Karim McKenzie. It was great comeback after Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat against Azam. The Tanzanian outfit showed Rayon how it’s done in front of goal with three neat strikes by Ibrahim Maipopo, Walab Yahaya and Anudu Nafiu. Cedric Amiss netted blues’ consolation goal. In the other friendly, Etincelles lost 2-0 against DRC’s Virunga. The visitors’ goals were scored by Buuni Santa and former Police striker Andre Lomami. Rayon play their final pre-season game this afternoon against Virunga while Etincelles take on Kabasha. The Primus Cup, which is a curtain raiser for the Primus League, kicks off September 9 and unlike previous editions, this year’s contest will attract eight teams. According to Ferwafa’s Chief Executive Officer Jules Kalisa, the move is aimed at making the tournament more competitive and exciting. The winners will take home Rwf 5m, while the runner-up and the third placed team will walk away with Rwf3m and Rwf1m respectively. Last year, Kiyovu were crowned champions after beating Rayon 2-1 in the final. Ends